Positioning, leveling and supporting device mountable upon an upright pipe or the like



y 6, 1955 1.. c. GARDNER. sR.. ETAL 3,192,614

POSITIONING, LEVELING AND SUPPORTING DEVICE MOUNTABLE UPON AN UPRIGHTPIPE OR THE LIKE .Filed Feb. 7, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS LELANDc. GARDNER, SR. LAWSON F. WALDROP,JR.

BY BV7W4L A TTORNE Y y 1955 L. c. GARDNER, SR.. ETAL 3,192,614

POSITIONING, LEVELING AND SUPPORTING DEVICE MOUNTABLE UPON AN UPRIGHTPIPE OR THE LIKE Filed Feb. 7, 1964 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIGS H04 [9 l I I2: a a 25 i 1 20 FIG? INVENTORS v LELAND C, GARDNER, SR. 6 LAWSON F.WALDROP JR.

A TTORNEY United States Patent 3,122,614 POSITIONING, LEVELING ANDSUPFOR'I'ING DEVICE MGUN'I'ABLE UPON AN UPREGHT PIPE GR THE LIKE LelandC. Gardner, Sr., 519 Rich St, Rock Hill, S.C., and Lawson F. Waldrop,In, 529 S. York Ave, Rock Hill, 5.6.

Filed Feb. 7, 1964, Ser. No. 343,253 2 Claims. (Cl. 29-20%) Thisinvention relates broadly to means employed in the formation of pipejoints, and more particularly to a holding or supporting clamp used inthe formation of pipe joints and the like.

Serious problems arise during the installation of floor drains and theformation of sealing joints between such drains and cast iron soil pipestubs, where the stub is below floor level and rises from anothersealing connection with a cast iron trap or the like. The floor drainmust have its hub telescoped over the soil pipe stub and must besupported and maintained level while the proper sealing joint betweenthe drain and pipe stub is being formed or applied. Limitations of spaceand the necessity for firmly supporting the floor drain from below makethis a diflicult and awkward problem for plumbers and this is trueregardless of whether lead and oakum or mechanical pipe sealing andjoining means are being employed between the floor drain and the castiron pipe stub.

According to the invention, a novel and simplified resilient holding orsupporting clamp is applied about the cast iron soil pipe stub afterinstallation of the latter upon the cast iron trap and this clampconstitutes a firm positioning, leveling and supporting means for thefloor drain while the latter is being joined and sealed to the pipe stubfrom above. The supporting clamp is a very inexpensive item in light ofthe time and labor which it saves the economies thereby efiected.Consequently, the clamp may remain attached to the pipe stub beneath thefloor drain after installation of the latter and may thus be consideredan expendable item after serving its very useful purpose.

The main object of the invention is therefore to provide a positioning,leveling and supporting clamp readily mountable upon a cast iron soilpipe stub below floor level so as to form a firm and somewhat resilientsupport for the floor drain while the same is being joined and sealed tothe pipe stub from above the floor drain.

Another object is to provide a device of the mentioned character whichis highly economical in construction, reliable and efiicient inoperation, and very easy to install and adjust upon the cast iron soilpipe stub.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent duringthe course of the following detailed description.

This application contains some subject matter in common with our priorcopending application Serial Number 300,527, filed Aug. 7, 1963, forJoint and Seal Structure for Soil Pipes and the Like.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and inwhich like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout thesame,

FIGURE 1 is an exploded side elevational view with parts in section andparts broken away of a floor drain, cast iron trap, pipe stub, pipejoining or sealing means and the clamp embodying the present invention,

FIGURE 2 is a side elevation showing the pipe stub assembled and sealedto the trap and having the invention clamp loosely applied thereto,

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary side elevation showing the floor drain appliedover the pipe stub and resting upon ice the adjustable supporting andleveling clamp prior to the installation of the joining and sealingmeans between 'thedrain and pipe stub,

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged central vertical longitudinal section partly inelevation showing the installation of the joining and sealing meanswhile the floor drain is being supported on the pipe stub by theinvention clamp,

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the invention clamp,

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged horizontal cross section taken on line 6.-6 ofFIGURE 4,

FIGURE 7 is a similar view showing the clamp in a released or openposition to facilitate adjusting the same, and

FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 7 showing a slightly modified typeof clamp.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown apreferred embodiment of the invention, attention is directed first toFIGURE 1, wherein the numeral 16 designates a conventional cast irontrap to be installed below fioor level and having a bell or hub 11 toreceive a cast iron soil pipe stub 12, together with suitable joint andseal means 13, which may be the means disclosed in our mentioned priorapplication S.N. 300,527. In this application, the means 13 includes acompressible sealing ring 14, a pair of semi-circular coacting adapterring segments 15 of hard rubber or the like and metal wedge elements 15having undercut portions 17, adapted to be driven into tapered grooves18, provided in the elements 15. If preferred, other means such as leadand oakum may be employed for joining the pipe stub 12 to the trap It).

With continued reference to FIGURE 1, the numeral 19 designatesgenerally the holding or supporting clamp embodying the invention, to bedescribed in full detail hereinafter. A conventional inside caulkingcast iron floor drain is indicated at 20, having a top flange 21 to bemounted flush in a'floor surface and a depending tubular hub 22 forengagement telescopically over the pipe stub 12. In FIGURE 1, thenumerals 23, 24 and 25 designate the metal wedges, adapter ring segmentsand a tapered sealing gasket substantially as shown in application S.N.300,527 and substantially similar to the abovementioned elements 16, 15and 14 employed for joining the pipe stub 12 and trap 10.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the pipe stub 12 after it has been joined andsealed to the hub i trap 10 by the means shown in FIGURE 1 and fullydescribed in said application, S.N. 300,527. The clamp 19 of theinvention is applied loosely to the pipe stub 12 in FIGURE 2. FIGURE 3shows the further step of applying the floor drain 20 telescopicallyover the pipe stub 12 and the clamp 19 is secured tightly to the pipestub 12 in FIG- URE 3 after proper positioning thereof on the pipe stubto level and firmly support the floor drain at the desired elevation.

FIGURE 4 illustrates the final step of joining and sealing the floordrain 20 to the pipe stub 12 while the resilient ring clamp 19 issupporting the floor drain and maintaining it level. The bottom annularflange 26 of the floor drain rests directly upon the ring clamp 19. Thesealing gasket or ring 25 has been placed Within the bore of the drain20 and surrounds the pipe stub 12 and the segments 24 have been appliedaround the pipe stub and forced downwardly and held by suitable means,not shown, to compress the gasket 25 for forming a fluid tight seal asfully described in said application. The wedges 23 are now driven intoplace by means of a blunt screwdriver and hammer or the like asdescribed in said application for completing the joint between the floordrain 20 and pipe stub 12. The principal purpose of the invention clamp19 now to be described in detail is to support the floor drain 2t) andmaintain the same level and properly position the drain at the desiredelevation during the operation depicted in FIGURE 4.

FIGURES 5-7 inclusive show the clamp 19 proper according to oneembodiment thereof, comprising a thickwalled medium hard rubber orsynthetic rubber body portion or band 27 of sufficient radial width tounderlie a major portion of the area of the flange 26, when the clamp isdrawn into tight gripping engagement with the pipe stub 12, FIGURES 4and 6. The axialwidth of the body portion 27 in somewhat greater thanits radial width to assure adequate frictional contact with the exteriorface of the pipe stub 12. The body portion 27 is preferably rectangularin cross section to provide for seating of the flange 26 in a stablemanner, and the body portion or band 27 is longenough to surround themajor portion of the pipe stub 12 when closed, FIG- URE 6. The materialof thebody portion 27 is somewhat resilient for cushioning the floordrain 2t) and absorbing shocks when the wedges 23 are being driven. Theresiliency of the body portion 27 also allows it to conform snugly tosurface irregularities in the pipe stub and flange 26 and renders iteasy to adjust the body portion for leveling the floor drain in alldirections.

With reference to FIGURES 5 through 7, the clamp 19 and the securing orlatching means therefor further comprises a sturdy flat metal strap 27extending entirely through the body portion 27 and bodily embeddedtherein centrally thereof. A sturdy hook element 28 is firmly secured bywelding or the like to one end of the metal strap 27' and projectsbeyond the adjacent end of body portion 27. At its opposite end, thestrap 27' has aterminal extension 29 projecting beyond the body portion27 and having an eye 30 or loop. The metal strap 27 enables the clamp tobe constricted about the pipe stub 12 with great pressure Withoutstretching lengthwise. The strap 27 is preferably provided within theconfines of the body portion 27 with spaced openings to increase thebonding or interlocking of the strap with the rubber-like body portion.

A lever member 31 is provided having an elongated arcuate handle portion32 of the proper curvature to lie close to the outer cylindrical face ofthe body portion 27 when the latter is drawn tightly around the pipestub, FIGURE 6. The lever member 31 has end transverse inwardly directedextensions 33 for engagement within the loops or eyes 30 of the metalstrap and pivoted thereto. The lever member has a cross bar 34 spacedfrom and parallel to the extensions 33 for receiving the hook element28, as shown. The lever member also has laterally spaced guide andstiffening extensions 35 formed thereon and projecting beyond one sidethereof between the cross bar 34 and extensions 33. The handle portion32 may be covered with plastic tubing or other friction material.

When the lever member 31 is engaged with the hook element 28, as shownin FIGURE 7, the band or body portion 27 is held loosely upon the pipestub 12. When the handle portion 32 is shifted in the direction of thearrow, FIGURE 7, the extensions 33 are simultaneously swung in theopposite direction, as shown by the arrow, the entire lever member thenturning upon the axis of cross bar 34. This action draws the oppositeends of the strap 27' and body portion 27 toward each other and alsodraws the hook and terminal elements 28 and 29 into crossedrelationship, FIGURE 6, with the extensions 33 shifted to the oppositeside of cross bar 34 in an over dead center relationship. In suchcondition, the hook element 28 is received within a recess or cut-out 36of terminal element 29, provided for this purpose, and the element 29.is also received between the guide extensions 35 which are now directedinwardly toward the pipe stub 12, FIG- URE 6. The handle portion 32 nowlies snugly against .the exterior of body portion 27 and the clamp ,nowgrips applied to pipe stubs of different sizes.

the pipe with great pressure and will not be dislodged or shifted by thehammer blows necessary to seat the wedges 23, as shown in FIGURE 4.

In order to release the clamp 19 for further adjustment, should this benecessary, it is merely necessary to swing the handle portion 32 awayfrom body portion 27, tending to return the parts of the clamp to theirrelative positions shown in FIGURE 7. Complete separation of the hookelement 28 from the cross bar 34 may be etfected to initially apply theclamp to the pipe stub or to completely remove the clamp therefrom.However, as stated, the usual practice is to allow the entire clamp 19to remain in place upon the pipe stub 12 after the application of thefloor drain 20 and the joining means 23, 24 and 25 thereto.

FIGURE 8 shows a slight modification of the securing or latching meansfor the clamp. In this figure, the identical rubber-like body portion 27is provided having a metal strap 36 embedded centrally therein andextending entirely therethrough including one terminal portion 37projecting from one end of the body portion 27 and having an integralloop or eye 38. The other end of the metal strap 36 terminates flushwith the other end of body portion 27 and is provided near such endwithspaced reverSely directed locking teeth 39 which project outwardly ofthe outer face of the body portion 27.

An arcuate operating lever 40 is provided having a cross pin 41 near oneend engaging pivotally through the eye or loop 38. At a point spacedfrom the cross pin 41, the lever 40 is pivoted to a locking frame orbail 42, adapted to engage selectively the locking teeth 39. Thearrangement provides a full range of adjustment for the clamp 19 shownin FIGURE 8 so that the same may be The construction shown in FIGURE 8is somewhat simpler than that shown in FIGURES 5 through 7 and also abit more rugged and durable. The use or operation of the clamp 19' isidentical to that of the previously-described clamp 19 and a furtherdetailed description of the clamp 19 or its operation is believed to beunnecessary.

In essence, the clamps 19 and 19' disclosed herein each constitute areadily adjustable, non-stretchable cushioning support, leveler andpositioner for the floor drain 20 on the pipe stub 12 to facilitate theapplication of the desired .mechanical joint or sealing means or themore conventional lead and okum joint, if preferred. The clamp hasseveral unique features which produce the desired results. The bodyportion 27 is quite broadly radially and rectangular in cross sectionand resilient. This construction otters a level and stable seat for thebottom flange 26 of floor drain 20. g It also provides for highfrictional engagement with the rough surface of pipe stub 12 so that theclamp will not slip once it has been adjusted properly and drawn intotight gripping engagement with the pipe. Finally, the clamp latchingmeans is of such a nature that it can positively draw thenon-stretchable clamp into very tight gripping engagement with the pipestub 12 which is necessary to achieve the desired purpose of theinvention. The body portion 27 is required to be thick or heavy in crosssection to form a stable seat for the floor drain and this is animportant feature of the invention. The invention clamp renders theentire operation of installing the floor drain and sealing or joiningmeans on the pipe stub 12 greatly simplified and much less expensive,less tedious and less time-consuming.

It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herewith shownand described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, andthat various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may beresorted to, without departing from the spirit of the invention or scopeof the subjoined claims.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. In a means for positioning, leveling and supporting a floor drain,the combination comprising an upright soil pipe stub carried andsupported by a trap below floor level, a floor drain including anenlarged top flange to be mounted flush in a floor surface and adepending tubular hub integral with the flange and engageabletelescopically over said soil pipe stub, and a positioning, leveling andsupporting clamp device substantially surrounding said pipe stubimmediately below the tubular hub of the floor drain and being formed ofrubber-like material and having a radially wide substantially fiat upperface to directly engage the bottom of the tubular hub, said clamp devicebeing adjustable on the pipe stub for leveling the floor drain andpositioning it at the proper elevation, and manually operable latchmeans on the clamp device for drawing the same closed into tightgripping relation with the pipe stub so that the clamp device may bearthe Weight of the floor drain during the installation and sealingthereof to the pipe stub.

12. In a soil pipe and floor drain assembly of the class in which anupright soil pipe stub is supported below floor level and a floor drainmember is telescoped over the top of the pipe stub and joined and sealedthereto, the combination with said pipe stub of a positioning, levelingand supporting clamp on the pipe stub immediately below the floor drainmember and including a split rubberlike body portion having a radiallybroad upper face to References Jilted hy the Examiner UNITED STATESPATENTS 625,573 5/99 Leavitt 2471 X 1,183,285 5/16 Englund 242722,628,134 2/53 Williams et al. 2468 X 2,846,016 8/58 Hanes.

2,977,995 4/61 Walpole 269-130 X FOREIGN PATENTS 640,319 3/28 France.

WILLIAM W. DYER, IR., Primary Examiner.

ROBERT C. RIORDON, Examiner.

1. IN A MEANS FOR POSITIONING, LEVELING AND SUPPORTING A FLOOR DRAIN,THE COMBINATION COMPRISING AN UPRIGHT SOIL PIPE STUB CARRIED ANDSUPPORTED BY A TRAP BELOW FLOOR LEVEL, A FLOOR DRAIN INCLUDING ANENLARGED TOP FLANGE TO BE MOUNTED FLUSH IN A FLOOR SURFACE AND ADEPENDING TUBULAR HUB INTEGRAL WITH THE FLANGE AND ENGAGEABLETELESCOPICALLY OVER SAID SOIL PIPE STUB, AND A POSITIONING, LEVELING ANDSUPPORTING CLAMP DEVICE SUBSTANTIALLY SURROUNDING SAID PIPE STUBIMMEDIATELY BELOW THE TUBULAR HUB OF THE FLOOR DRAIN AND BEING FORMED OFRUBBER-LIKE MATERIAL AND HAVING A RADIALLY WIDE SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT UPPERFACE TO DIRECTLY ENGAGE THE BOTTOM OF THE TUBULAR HUB, SAID CLAMP DEVICEBEING ADJUSTABLE ON THE PIPE STUB FOR LEVELING THE FLOOR DRAIN ANDPOSITIONING IT AT THE PROPER ELEVATION, AND